Friday, July 31, 2009

Upper Saddle River, NJ (7/28/09) -- Onkyo has introduced a new, state-of-the-art, BD-Live interactive Blu-ray Disc Player, model DV-BD507. This full-featured player delivers outstanding high definition 1080p video playback and high resolution multichannel audio over a HDMI 1.3a. It has all the capabilities once could expect from a Blu-ray player, plus the high performance and build-quality consumers have come to expect from Onkyo products.The Onkyo DV-BD507 plays Blu-ray discs with their full high definition 1080p resolution, including compatibility with the Deep Color and x.v. Color specifications of HDMI 1.3a. It is also capable of playing standard DVD's and CD's, with internal scaling of all video sources to 1080p. It can also process AVCHD video clips stored on a SD or SDHC card or DVD-R/RW.The Onkyo DV-BD507 also features BD-Live (Profile 2.0) for enhanced interactivity through the internet, making additional and updated content available instantly. When used with an optional 1 GB (or greater) SD/SDHC card, the player includes BonusView features to allow for picture-in-picture capabilities while viewing the main feature.The Onkyo DV-BD507 is currently available at a suggested retail price of $449.Since 1946 Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to created award winning product that are lauded by many of the industry leading audio publications. The company's philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit http://www.onkyousa.com/ or call 800-229-1687.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

We are in the middle of summer, when many of us either hit the pool or some other form of water activity to have fun and keep cool. Water and electronics do not normally mix well. Taking your iPod to the lake can be dangerous for your iPod. But with the help of OtterBox there is no need to fret for your iPod.

Up for review today is the OtterBox Classic Armor case, and H3 waterproof headphones. The set comes with the clear hard plastic waterproof case, the armor series armband, and the H3 waterproof headphones. Together, it is ideal for those who do any activity where there is the concern for protection from water, such as water skiing, surfing, or just playing in the pool. The case is airtight for iPod protection. The armband is neoprene, adjustable, and the case attaches to it. The headphones are a behind the head design with an adjustable band for proper fit for you. The headphones also come with rubber earplugs that go around the earbuds for better fit and isolation in water.

I must admit, I was skeptical about the product at first. I knew it would work (being waterproof as advertised), but how would they sound? I set my expectations for them to be waterproof but that was all I was expecting. My expectations for sound quality was very low. I was not expecting them to sound very well. I was pleasantly surprised.

Testing them out in the pool, the case proved to be fully waterproof. The headphones went around my neck and fit rather well. The hard case had a thin membrane that you could control the iPod through. It worked well enough. And the headphones truly were waterproof. The sound quality did vary. When listening to them underwater, the sound quality depended on the seal. When I had a good seal, they actually sounded better underwater. But moving around in the water I lost, regained, and lost again the seal. But even when I didn’t have a good seal, the sound quality was better than I expected.

While they are marketed for use on activities such as skiing, I would be careful with it. While I believe the case would do a good job of protecting your iPod, I am not sure how secure the armband would be on any type of impact. The case attaches to the armband with a plastic clip. The case attaches fairly firmly, but a wipeout on the lake could make the case come off. If that were to happen, I think the case would do a good job protecting the iPod. If you are snow skiing, that could mean doing some searching to find it. But if you were water skiing, your iPod could be on it’s way down to the bottom of the lake.

The OtterBox Classic Armor case with Waterproof H3 headphones and Armband proved to be a great product. If you are looking for a way to listening to your tunes while getting a workout, I would suggest you give them a try. I am not aware of any other products like it. While they do not provide audiophile quality sound, that was also not the intent. Providing a waterproof product was a success, and it actually provided decent sound. For more info, please check out OtterBox website at www.OtterBox.com.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

As I previously posted, NHT had decided to go quiet. With the current state of the economy, they had decided to focus on some R&D, and come back in the future. That future turned out to be sooner than later. They have decided to become an internet retailer. While NHT speakers will still be available for purchase through their partnered retailers, they will also be available for purchase online through NHT for a cheaper price. This will be good news to many, as they are a very reputable high quality manufacturer at a very good price, that just got even better! Stay tuned for some upcoming reviews.